complement 1 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-plə-mənt How to pronounce complement (audio)
Definition of complementnext
1
as in supplement
something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

complement

2 of 2

verb

ˈkäm-plə-ˌment How to pronounce complement (audio)
as in to adorn
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complement
Noun
The museum restaurant is having a moment, with many in New York City becoming destinations of their own rather than a mere complement to the art experience—if not an art experience all its own. — Gabriella Angeleti, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 Shannon agrees that digital personas won’t be a replacement, but a complement. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Verb
When planned well, greenways coexist and complement pedestrians, cars, and trucks. — Andrew Kimball, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026 The company also says LifePods are meant to complement prevention and evacuation, not replace them. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
  1. supplement
  2. capacity
  3. adorn
  4. volume
  5. enhance
  6. real estate
  7. complete
  8. decorate
Noun
  • Research cited by Market Reports World found phytoestrogen supplements may deliver only 10% to 20% symptom reduction in some cases, even as more than 79% of peri- and postmenopausal women reported using botanical dietary supplements.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • How perimenopause supplement stacking works A stack is a modular set of supplements chosen for symptoms rather than a one-size-fits-all multivitamin.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of supplement
Noun
  • The result — more non-essential referrals to specialists who are also capacity constrained.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026
  • The initial phase of the project will produce approximately 10,000 tonnes per year, with plans to expand capacity to 25,000 tonnes annually.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
Definition of capacity
Verb
  • Someone unfamiliar with salt bread might even suspect a major baking error, seeing a questionably smooth croissant that entirely missed the lamination process, adorned with only a few flecks of salt acting as its saving grace.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 July 2026
  • Nature fanatics can take part in the weekly garden walk to identify the tropical plants and fruits adorning the property.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Definition of adorn
Noun
  • Had the Italian not departed for such a substantial fee, then Eddie Howe would have been operating with an even more restricted budget, especially given the volume of incoming business Newcastle intend to conduct.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Increasing the volume of slurry stored in external tanks could also expand the battery’s energy capacity without significantly changing the core electrochemical system.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
Definition of volume
Verb
  • The researchers are working on several aspects of the diving suit technology, including improving durability, adapting the suit for other cockroach and insect species, and integrating additional sensors to enhance functionality.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • Visitors can enhance their experience by staying overnight in one of four bed-and-breakfast-style suites at Falcon Manor, located on the mansion’s grounds.
    — Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of enhance
Noun
  • Madruga held a real estate salesperson license from 2006 to 2018 associated with an address in Fair Oaks, according to state Department of Real Estate records.
    — Michael McGough Updated July 16, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • The container shipping company leased the Hopedale facility from GFI Partners, with commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield brokering the deal.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Definition of real estate
Verb
  • The compensation study completed last December showed many positions were at or above the 50th percentile among comparable agencies, including the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department and Cameron Park Community Services District.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • The law would only enter into force once that review has been completed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Definition of complete
Verb
  • Per Artnet, the interiors are decorated with pieces by KAWS, Josh Sperling, and Arsham himself, though none of the art is included in the sale.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 July 2026
  • Leaders design the program, issue the invitation, announce the values, decorate the room, and expect the feeling to follow.
    — Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026
Definition of decorate

Browse Nearby Words

compleat
complement
complementary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on complement

Nglish: Translation of complement for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about complement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of stalwart

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All